Worship FAQ

At St. Paul’s we offer a mix of traditional and contemporary worship and music in a casual atmosphere.

What should I wear?

It’s a casual atmosphere, and you’ll see a range of styles from jeans and shorts to skirts and suits. Please wear whatever makes you most comfortable!

Where do I park?

There is a convenient church parking lot directly across the street.

What’s a typical service like?

Every Sunday, an usher will greet you at the entrance to the church or chapel, and they will hand you a bulletin to help guide you through the service. You are welcome to sit in any open seat. In each pew you will see the red Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and the blue Hymnal, referenced in the bulletin by page or Hymn number.

We begin with music and an opening hymn, followed by prayer and readings from the Bible: Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and the Gospels. There is a sermon, usually 10-15 minutes long, based on the Bible readings, with time for reflection and prayer. Bread and wine are blessed and shared in the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist. You are welcome to receive this sacrament around the altar; if you only want to receive a blessing, just cross your arms across your chest. You are also welcome to remain in your seat during Communion. Services conclude with music and a final hymn.

If you have any questions or need assistance at any time during the service, please see one of our ushers at the back of the church. After the service, we invite you to join us for coffee and light refreshments in the Parish Hall.

What about children?

St. Paul’s welcomes children! Nursery care is available from 8:45 – 10:45 am in the Family Ministry Center. We have dedicated soft space located on the right side of the church, and The Garden Room (in back of the sanctuary) where families will find toys and books, and a TV broadcasting the service; an usher will be happy to show you the way.

At 8:45 am we have Joyful Noise, a 30-minute interactive program for young children and their parents in the Family Ministry Center. Every two months we have a Spirit Service, which joins our Joyful Noise families with our 9:30 am service to engage and inspire people of all ages.

Will I be able to hear?

Both our Chapel and the Church are equipped with hearing loops (a special sound system for use by people with hearing aids). To access this listening device, you need a telecoil (commonly called a T-coil) in your hearing aid. Most modern hearing aids have this feature. To connect your hearing aid, review your hearing aid instructions.

How do I meet people?

You are welcome to join us for fellowship time with light refreshment, following the service in the Parish Hall.

What does it mean that St. Paul’s is an Episcopal Church?

As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church. We are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world.

Episcopalians believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.